Fine copy of an interesting and very extensive prospectus, by André Morellet (1727-1819), announcing a new commercial dictionary in 5 folio volumes and calling for subscriptions. He first explains why a new dictionary is needed, extensively describing the first commercial dictionary in Europe of Jacques Savary des Brûlons. He also mentions English dictionaries of commerce. He found all these dictionaries far from complete, omitting many interesting details and says they are not as universal as they claim. So in the present prospectus Morellet proposes a new, complete, universal commercial dictionary, and describes the differences between his planned dictionary and the existing ones. The prospectus is very detailed and well organised, no doubt because he needed to convince his public of the need for such an extensive and therefore probably expensive dictionary. Morellet worked on his dictionary for 20 years before the French Revolution interrupted him, but never published the dictionary itself.
With a couple rust spots in the paper and occasional very minor foxing, but otherwise in fine condition. The binding shows a few scrapes and scratches on the boards and is slightly worn at the hinges, but still very good. A remarkably detailed record of a project that unfortunately never came to fruition. Einaudi 4024; Goldsmith 10507; Kress 6663; WorldCat (4 copies).